cannabis

Washington State University researchers have discovered that cannabis stimulates appetite by activating specific hypothalamic cells in mice. This breakthrough, using calcium imaging technology, offers potential for new treatments for appetite disorders. Credit: SciTechDaily.comNew research reveals that cannabis activates certain brain cells to stimulate appetite, paving the way for potential treatments for appetite-related disorders.While it is well known that cannabis can cause the munchies, researchers have now revealed…

Neuroscientists at Washington State University think they have figured out why cannabis is so notorious for causing the 'munchies' among users.Their research on mice is the first to investigate how cannabis impacts the real-time activity of brain regions that control appetite.The findings support an abundance of anecdotes and rigorous studies on humans, which all strongly suggest smoking, vaping, or eating cannabis can trigger acute cravings and have you headed for the pantry or fridge in no time.Still, while…

New research indicates that smoking both marijuana and cigarettes significantly increases the risk of lung damage, challenging common beliefs about the safety of marijuana smoking. The study underscores the need for more research in this area to inform public understanding.According to findings recently presented at the Radiological Society of North America’s annual meeting, combining marijuana and cigarette smoking could result in greater harm to the lung’s air sacs.Despite widespread beliefs that marijuana smoking is…

A new study has found that there was no association between using cannabis and non-medical opioid use in people receiving pharmacotherapy for opioid use disorder. The findings neither confirm that using cannabis leads to opioid use nor that it's effective in reducing it.Cannabis has gained popularity, in part due to its widespread legalization, leading to the perception that, due to its lower associated risks compared to ‘harder’ drugs, it can be an effective treatment for drug addiction, especially addiction to…

A group of a dozen U.S. attorneys general, led by Colorado’s Phil Weiser, are calling on the Drug Enforcement Administration to reschedule cannabis. In a letter sent to the DEA on Friday, the attorneys general said they support the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ recommendation to reschedule cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III, citing public safety and advocating for legal businesses. Their pleas echo Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, who in December voiced support for a federal rescheduling. Attorneys general…

The impact of cannabis on exercise is rife with assumptions and contradictions. All at once, the plant is considered a performance-enhancing drug, banned by numerous sporting events, and a 'couch-lock', employed by the perennially lazy.Emerging evidence suggests both perspectives are off the mark.In US states that have legalized cannabis, several recent surveys have found those who use the drug actually get up and move more than non-users.And while there is no direct evidence to suggest that recreational cannabis…

A study of more than 360,000 mothers and infants shows a significant risk of low birth weight and NICU admissions for babies exposed to cannabis in utero. The research underscores the increasing risks associated with the frequency of cannabis use during pregnancy. Credit: SciTechDaily.comLarge Kaiser Permanente study adds to evidence about low birthweight, preterm birth, admission to neonatal intensive care.A large study of more than 360,000 mothers and infants found increased risk of low birth weight and admission to the…

A research review in the New England Journal of Medicine highlights the growing concern over cannabis use disorder, exacerbated by increased cannabis potency and usage. This disorder, affecting a significant portion of Americans, particularly young adults, is often accompanied by other psychiatric conditions. Credit: SciTechDaily.comReview article published in the New England Journal of Medicine finds 16 million Americans have cannabis use disorder.The widespread use of cannabis (marijuana) and its increased potency are…

It’s been 10 years since Colorado launched the first legal recreational marijuana market in the world and became a pioneer in drug reform. But when it came to the nascent industry, the first sales on Jan. 1, 2014, were more a starting block than a finish line. In the decade since legalization, Colorado has refined laws, catalyzed new ones and served as a litmus test for the rest of the country as states followed its lead. Today, cannabis is recreationally available for sale in 24 states — where more than half of Americans…

The world’s first legal sale of recreational marijuana happened in Denver on Jan. 1, 2014. In fact, it happened twice. Mason Tvert was managing the onslaught of media that descended on the Mile High City to witness the historic moment, set in motion by the successful legalization campaign he’d led. So many camera crews and reporters showed up that morning that Tvert decided to rotate two groups through the dispensary’s sales floor — with each transaction billed as the first time anyone 21 or older could legally buy weed…